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by Jon Byous April 9, 2003
Thousands of developers around the world have started or joined a local "JUG", or Java User Group, and each month the numbers are growing - for good reasons: community, fun, education, and job opportunities. A JUG lets Java users informally exchange technical tips and product information, usually based on real-life experiences. While each group is different, you can expect some combination of periodical meetings, an online email exchange, some access to latest developments from Sun, and a newsletter. Andy Oliver, a member of the Apache Software Foundation and a founder of the Jakarta POI (http://jakarta.apache.org/poi) project, has been a JUG member for three years, and is now president of his group, the Triangle Java User's Group (TriJUG) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. "I think a JUG is the center of a viable Java community," he says. "And we've got a really vibrant Java community here in the Research Triangle Park area." Meetings You Like to AttendTypical of an active JUG, TriJUG has found ways to attract new members and keep its meetings interesting. In just the last year, TriJUG has hosted an impressive list of expert speakers:
"And let's not forget the parade of authors," says Oliver. "We like to schedule them as speakers. Sure, they want to push a book, but they are highly technical, researched, and have good presentation skills." A JUG can also get creative with special events. "In September we hosted a J2EE live-panel shootout between BEA, IBM, JBoss, and Oracle for the group. Our members submitted questions to the panel to start things off, and it became a really candid comparison of these vendors' product capabilities. I really learned a lot about which products to use in various situations, and I don't think I would have heard the same in-depth, focused, candid, and meaty discussion anywhere else." Not Just for Advanced DevelopersAs the group's president, Oliver selects a wide variety of Java technology and programming topics. He also makes sure that the JUG has resources for beginning developers as well as seasoned pros. "In general, we find that our more experienced members are more than willing to help the less experienced members. That's part of what a JUG is about." "In meetings and events aimed at first-year developers, or beginners, the more experienced users still tend to come and enjoy socializing," says Oliver. "I think half the people would come even if there was no specific topic, just for the opportunity to talk to fellow developers, to stay connected." How is experienced help provided? "In several ways," says Oliver. "We have an active mail list for tech questions and a very active, almost schizophrenic, Wiki - a web site in which the pages can be edited or contributed by any user. Our members really like this web resource." Stay Employed
In fact, several TriJUG members have launched their own consultancies largely as a result of the contacts, introductions, and support they received from the group. But looking at the bigger picture, Oliver sees a growing and thriving JUG as a tool for local economic development and a magnet for employment and consultancy contracts. "An area that doesn't have a JUG can grow its opportunities for Java development jobs by attracting a large membership and thus attracting companies who hire Java developers. A JUG is the first step to building a growing Java community with a good support network in your area. It's where Java-based expertise and economic development come together." A JUG President's PerspectiveOliver offers several tips for JUG owners and members. On scheduling vendors: "We generally ask the visiting vendor to pick up the cost of the meeting, and to keep the topic technical and informative. It can't just be a product pitch." For developers on a budget, he recommends joining a local JUG as a good way to hear big-conference quality speakers for free. "A lot of conference speakers choose JUG speaking engagements as a way to debug their talk before giving it to a much larger audience. Encouraging noted speakers to 'practice' their talk at your JUG can be a great source of expertise for special events." But Oliver will point out that, "It's not all about the speakers. There has got to be time for developers to just sit back and 'chew the fat,' or in our case, the pizza." As another tip, Oliver recommends that JUGs network with other related user groups: "We network with XML and WebSphere user groups in our area. But look for a synergy of interests. For example, we got together with a local Linux group and discovered that there just wasn't enough overlap of interests and Linux-specific Java topics to make it worthwhile." Want to Join a JUG?Whether you are new to Java or a mind-numbingly knowledgeable Java expert, you may want to join or start a Java User Group (JUG). The JUG home page at java.sun.com lists the resources for JUG owners, members, and potential members. You'll also find a JUG bulletin board and FAQ. Use the search engine to find the JUGs nearest you. You can search also by the type of technology that interests you most, in case your area has multiple groups. When you scroll and click down to your locale, you'll see a listing of the JUGs in your area. Each listing contains a short introduction by the JUG owner. Most JUGs have a web site for further information. If you want to become a member, click "Become a Member of This JUG." Your contact information will be forwarded to the JUG owner, who will send you more information on membership. According to Adam Wisnewski, Sun project coordinator, "There were 1194 active listings in March 2003, up from 860 just since October 2002. Many of those people are interested in starting a JUG where none exist, so if there isn't currently a JUG in your area, there's a good chance one will sprout up soon."
New JUG Support Programs from SunJen Erale, Sun's program manager for Software User Groups, says, "The JUG community is important to Sun, and we're constantly looking for ways to better support JUG owners, members, and speakers." Sun has launched two programs to help JUG speakers and owners: the Ambassador Club and the Top 25 Program. Is Your JUG One of the Top 25?The Sun Java User Groups program is preparing to select the 25 hottest JUGs in the world - the largest, most active, and most passionate. After careful screening, the Top 25 will be selected and will receive the following benefits:
If you're a JUG owner, visit the JUG home page to get the details and fill out the Top 25 application form. The competition might be good motivation to notch up the enthusiasm in your JUG. Connect to Your CommunityIf you're planning to attend the 2003 JavaOne Conference, check out this year's JUG BOF (Birds of a Feather) session: Evangelizing the Java Platform. "We will definitely have some good information for JUG members and owners," says Erale. "And it's a chance to meet and network with JUG members from all over the world." But no matter what, your local JUG is the best way to connect with your community of developers to stay up to date, discover the unexpected, learn new skills, and stay happily employed through the best opportunities available. See Also
2003 JavaOne Conference, JUG BOF: Evangelizing the Java Platform
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